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We all know that sunscreen is essential for keeping your skin safe while out in the sun, but applying and re-applying it while on the go can get a little tricky. Luckily, readers have shared their secret weapon for staying sun-safe while on the go: roll on sunscreen! Take a look at their favorite picks!
Best Stick Sunscreen Picks
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A sunblock stick is supremely convenient for travel! It’s perfect if you’re traveling carry on as you can bring enough for a trip without worrying about the liquid limit. Having SPF sticks in your travel day bag means you won’t run the risk of spillage, and they’re way more cost-effective than buying overpriced sunscreen at hotels and gift shops.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about having clean hands to rub it in or a mirror for even blending — just swipe it on and go! (And remember to reapply throughout the day!)
For effortless sun protection on your sunny travels, here are the best face sunscreen stick options!
Be sure to read our complete guide to packing toiletries here.
Best Sunscreen Sticks for Face and Body
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Shiseido
Reader’s Top Pick: Shiseido Sunscreen Stick for Sensitive Skin
If you plan to be at the pool or on the beach, this Shiseido sunscreen stick is an incredibly innovative and effective sunscreen to keep you protected both in and out of the water! It’s easy to see why this SPF 50+ sunscreen stick is so highly rated. It glides on clear, whether under or over makeup, and actually becomes more effective in water and heat!
It’s also reef-safe, oxybenzone-free, and noncomedogenic, and great for more sensitive skin types. A wearer raves, “Amazing for traveling and daily use!! It leaves my skin all glowy and protected from the sun at the same time!”
Neutrogena Beach Defense Clear Sunscreen Stick
Neutrogena’s Beach Defense solid sunscreen is perfect for the active traveler! It’s sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so if you’ll be spending your days taking surf lessons, playing beach volleyball, or hitting the trails, you’ll be totally set with this one! The broad-spectrum SPF 50+ formula provides easy-to-use, lightweight, and non-greasy coverage.
A TFG reader says, “The Neutrogena stick sunscreen doesn’t sting your eyes or run. You can wear it alone or under makeup.”
Learn packing strategies for carry-on travel around the globe, whether you travel for leisure, for business, or both!
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Neutrogena combines zinc oxide with Vitamin E in their ULTA Sheer mineral sun screen stick for clear, smooth, and moisturizing sun protection that won’t clog pores, is gentle on the skin, and is cruelty-free. Readers highlight the dry touch finish that isn’t sticky or dewy and won’t get into your eyes and sting.
This sunscreen in a stick is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can splash around in the ocean without worrying about sunburn!
A reader says, “I always carry the Neutrogena ULTA Sheer solid in my purse, and since it’s not liquid, you should be able to take a couple. Really good for touching up your face whenever you need to. I am a sunscreen fanatic!”
TFG readers share their picks for the best reef safe sunscreen brands!
CeraVe Sunscreen Stick
If you have sensitizer skin, this CeraVe mineral-based SPF 50 face sunblock stick was made for you! These sunscreen face sticks are gentle and non-comedogenic, formulated with micro-fine zinc oxide that leaves an even, clear finish. They’ve kept out oxybenzone, avobenzone, and benzene and added in three essential ceramides to keep your skin hydrated.
It’s a great, compact size to fit in any bag, too. A traveler says, “This CeraVe stick sunscreen is very convenient to have in your purse. The small size of the container is perfect for travel, and the stick is easy to apply and rub in. The product doesn’t leave a white residue like most sunscreens.”
Sun Bum Original Face Sunscreen Stick
Sun Bum’s sun block stick is oil-free, vegan, reef friendly, and loaded with Vitamin E to keep your skin nourished and sun-safe at the same time. The broad-spectrum SPF 30 has fantastic staying power while feeling amazingly lightweight on your skin, and it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes. Users say it applies seamlessly, plays well with makeup, and has a subtle yet amazing tropical smell!
A reader shares more about this reef safe sunscreen stick, “I use Beach Bum solid and their lip balm too. It’s been my go-to for about the last 2-3 years now!”
From shampoo to facial cream and foundation, here are some of the best solid toiletries for travel!
Thinkbaby Zinc Sunscreen Stick
While technically formulated for babies, readers love using the Thinkbaby mineral stick sunscreen because it’s super gentle and hydrating, absorbs fast, and goes on effortlessly and evenly. Users also point out that it doesn’t have a strong smell, doesn’t feel sticky, is free of toxic chemicals, and is reef safe. This body and stick face sunscreen can handle sweaty faces and dips in the pool, too—just be sure to reapply after getting in the water!
A user who thinks it’s the best mineral sunscreen stick says, “This made it SO much easier to get myself and my little ones ready for beach fun! I use it before putting on my makeup with no problems. One stick lasted our family several days on the beach. The best part is it has a great safety rating on the EWG Skin Deep website.”
Find out the most creative ways our readers pack creams, toners, and foundations for travel!
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Stick Sunscreen Face
The Blue Lizard SPF 50+ zinc stick sunscreen provides optimal protection without clogging your pores and is free of parabens, fragrances, and dyes. Users hail the non-greasy and quick-drying formula that you can layer makeup over, and some note that while it does rub in clear, it leaves a slight residue at first, which is actually quite helpful for making sure you’ve applied it evenly.
It’ll hold on to your skin even wet (up to 80 minutes, and is reef safe, so it’s a great sport sunscreen stick!) A traveler shares, “This sunscreen stick SPF 50 is easy to apply. I love that it’s reef safe. It’s nice and small and great to travel with!”
Shop: Amazon | ULTA | Supergoop
Supergoop Sunscreen Glow Stick
Swipe on this Supergoop sunscreen roll on for SPF 50 sun protection and a radiant complexion! It offers invisible coverage and has a clean and reef-friendly ingredient list that includes antioxidant-rich Amazonian oils.
Because of its gorgeously dewy (but not oily) finish, it’s recommended as a highlighter for your cheeks, bridge of your nose, chest, and shoulders to keep those prominent areas glowing, hydrated, and most importantly, safe from the sun’s rays.
It’s also said to be the best sunscreen stick over makeup. A wearer sums it up, “Best face stick sunscreen for travel out there. Pop in your purse and reapply as needed with no spillage and trusted Supergoop protection. Love it!”
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Supergoop Sunscreen Stick
Another Supergoop! fave, the PLAY roll on face sunscreen has a lightweight mineral formula that blends easily onto the skin so you can have constant sun protection while on the go. Users say it doesn’t leave a white cast and feels nice and hydrating on the skin due to its antioxidant-rich oils. This non greasy sunscreen stick is water-resistant and perfect for active days!
A happy user says, “This roll on sunblock was perfect for poolside use. I could apply and reapply quickly and easily. It actually felt nice on, too. It didn’t run into my eyes while I swam, and I never got a sunburn!”
Best Sunscreen Face Stick Comparison Chart
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What do you think is the best roll on sunscreen stick? Share your finds with us below!
For more sun protection options to pack, please read:
- Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Options
- What’s the Best Tinted Sunscreen for Your Face?
- Best Face Sunscreens for Travel
- Solid Toiletries for Travel: Forget TSA-Approved Liquids
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It’s always so easy to forget to pack sunscreen. This list of packable options are great!
Thank you so much for this list of stick sunscreens. I will be traveling and wonder if this type of sunscreen can pass through TSA or is it ok to pack in a checked bag?
Hi Karina, it should be fine to pas through TSA as long as it is a solid option, or it’s also find to go in your checked luggage too!